The Graceful Envelope Contest was created in 1995 by the Smithsonian Institution's National Postal Museum, which administered it until delegating responsibility to the Washington Calligraphers Guild in 2001. We are proud to sponsor the contest and extend sincere thanks to everyone who has entered over the years. Judges repeatedly stress how difficult it's been to select a handful of winners from so many striking and inventive entries. Keep them coming! 2026 marks the 31st year of this fun and creative challenge.